Amman, Nov. 25 (Petra) – Head of the Association of Owners of Clearance and Transport Companies (AOCTC) Deifallah Abu Aqouleh noted the importance of the agreement between Jordan and Syria to open import and export channels for all goods, based on the reciprocity principle, starting from the beginning of next year.
Abu Aqouleh said this step will "directly boost" bilateral trade and expand opportunities for both the two countries' public and private sectors.
During talks held Monday in Damascus, the Jordanian Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply, Ya'rub Qudah, and his Syrian counterpart, the Minister of Economy and Industry, Dr. Nidal Shaar, agreed to open import and export channels between the two countries for all goods, starting from the beginning of next year, which would boost trade volume and provide "greater" opportunities for the two countries' private and public sectors.
In a statement Tuesday, Abu Aqouleh said the resumption of "unrestricted" import and export activity between Jordan and Syria represents a "significant development," given its role in increasing the flow of goods and boosting trade activity.
Abu Aqouleh noted this move will "positively" impact companies operating in customs clearance and transportation areas, as well as economic sectors linked to foreign trade.
On the feasibility, he stated the active mutual trade will give the logistics sector a "strong boost," especially since customs clearance and transportat operations are directly linked to the trade volume.
He added that the increased demand for customs clearance and transport services will contribute to "higher employment rates and increased workload at customs centers." Discussions held in Damascus between the two ministers form a foundation for strengthening economic cooperation, particularly after the agreement to remove previous restrictions and open the door to all goods, which would enhance trade confidence and revitalize bilateral economic relations, he pointed out.
Additionally, he noted activating the free trade agreement, revitalizing the joint free zone, and streamlining customs procedures will provide crucial support for the next phase.
He called for continued improvement of the logistics environment and enhanced infrastructure readiness to ensure optimal utilization of this trade liberalization.
Jordan, he noted, has provided "all possible" forms of support over the past years to facilitate the passage of Syrian goods and trucks, noting that the Kingdom's customs clearance and transport sector possesses the capabilities and capacity to enhance its role as a "key logistics hub in the reconstruction efforts in Syria." Abu Aqouleh said strengthened trade between Jordan and Syria presents a "significant" opportunity to advance the logistics sector and increase its competitiveness, stressing the need to overcome obstacles and streamline procedures to serve the joint economic interests.
//Petra// AG
